New roadworks regulations

Roadworks to be carried out with more consideration and respect for the
travelling public.

By David Williams

3:00PM GMT 11 Mar 2010

It won't cut the number of traffic jams, but it might make sitting in one slightly more bearable.

Under new plans published this week, all roadworks will need to be clearly signed, and meet strict safety rules.

Utility firms already have to provide information at roadworks, including a contact telephone number and details of who is carrying out the works, as well as meeting high safety standards.

Now new proposals from transport minister Sadiq Khan mean that councils carrying out their own works will also have to abide by these rules.

In addition, anyone carrying out roadworks will have to meet tougher standards on safety for disabled people, making sure sites are properly protected and that facilities are put in place to allow wheelchair users to move around them easily.

"I am tired of hearing excuses about why roadworks can't be carried out with more consideration and respect for the travelling public," said Mr Khan.

"It is not acceptable for works to be badly signed, left in a dangerous state or put in place without a thought for the needs of road users, particularly people with disabilities.

"That is why I have made tackling roadworks disruption a priority since I became Transport Minister last year and announced a package of measures in December to reduce the problems they can cause.

"We have already taken steps to give councils greater powers to co-ordinate works and to incentivise utility firms to finish works on time. The (new) plans will make sure that all works are clearly signed and properly protected."

Other changes to the Safety Code of Practice include fresh advice on maintaining and making sites safe when they are unattended; new equipment rules to improve worker and road-user safety; and more advice on work near railway level crossings or near trams.

The Department for Transport is consulting on the proposals until June 2, 2010.